007: SPICED CHAI CIDER

☕ Spiced Chai Cider — The Storyteller’s Cup

Series: The $25 Thanksgiving Feast • Archetype: The Storyteller — warmth brewed into every shared word.

💡 Why This Works

Apple cider meets chai spices — cinnamon, ginger, cardamom, and clove — creating a drink that’s both nostalgic and bright. Comforting heat with a gentle bite of spice.

⚡ Energy & Time

• Total: 20–25 min • Active: 5 min
• Effort: Low (RPE 2/10)
• Cost: ≈ $2.50 for 4 mugs (~$0.60 per serving)*
• Gear: Pot or slow cooker

🥣 What It Is

A warm, spiced cider infused with chai aromatics — gently sweet, slightly smoky, and deeply soothing. Perfect for sipping while stories unfold.

🧾 Ingredients (serves 4)

• 3 cups apple cider (or unsweetened apple juice)
• 1 cinnamon stick • 3 cardamom pods • 3 whole cloves
• 1 slice fresh ginger or 1/4 tsp ground
• 1 black tea bag (optional, for depth)
• 1–2 tsp brown sugar or honey (to taste)
• Pinch of black pepper (for chai warmth)
• Optional: small splash of lemon or orange juice

✍️ Method

1. Simmer: Add cider, spices, and tea bag to pot. Heat on low 15–20 min — do not boil.
2. Sweeten: Stir in sugar or honey; adjust spice to taste.
3. Strain: Remove spices and tea bag; pour into mugs.
4. Serve: Garnish with cinnamon stick or orange peel curl.

🌿 Maker’s Notes

• Spiked version: Add splash of dark rum or bourbon after simmering.
• Vegan: Use maple syrup instead of honey.
• Batch tip: Doubles beautifully in a slow cooker for gatherings.

📦 Storage

• Store cooled cider up to 3 days; reheat gently, never boil.

📜 Lore

When the feast quiets and conversation glows, the chai cider comes out — its scent filling the room like a soft story told by firelight. Sweetness, spice, and warmth — the three notes of gratitude.

🧭 Self-Score to 100

• Flavor: 20/20
• Ease: 20/20
• Cost Efficiency: 20/20
• Comfort Factor: 20/20
• Mythic Resonance: 20/20

Total: 100/100 — A story steeped in spice and light.

*Cost based on budget US grocery pricing; adjust by region.